Hallsville Impounding of Animals Biting or Attacking Persons ordinance (§ 205.200)
Chapter 205: Animal Regulations · Article I. Control of Animals
In short: An animal that bites, injures or attacks a person or domestic animal is impounded for 10 days at the owner's expense, including any vet bills. If it shows no rabies, the owner can reclaim it by paying the boarding fee. Unclaimed or unpaid animals may be adopted out or destroyed, and unlicensed dogs and cats must also meet Section 205.040 before release.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
A. Any animal which bites, injures or attacks any person or any domestic animal shall be taken up immediately and impounded by the Chief of Police or any Police Officer of the City for a period of ten (10) days at a designated animal impoundment facility.
B. The expense thereof to be paid by the person possessing, owning or otherwise having under that person's control.
1. If at the end of ten (10) days the animal does not develop or manifest rabies, it may be redeemed by the owner upon payment of the boarding fee to the designated animal impoundment facility.
2. In the event the animal requires treatment by a veterinarian during its confinement, the owner of the animal shall be responsible for all such expenses.
C. If the owner does not retrieve the animal after the ten (10) days or does not compensate the impoundment facility for services, the disposition of the animal will be determined by the impound facility for potential adoption or if the animal will need to be destroyed.
D. If the animal is a dog or cat and is not licensed, the provisions of Section 205.040 also shall be met before the dog or cat may be released.
Official source: City of Hallsville official Code of Ordinances (online), § 205.200
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.